New-look Danes will have key roles for sophomores Cremo, Nichols will see increased role for UAlbany men
University at Albany men’s basketball head coach Will Brown knows that his team will be better in February than they will be in November and December.
The Great Danes lost three pieces of their front court as Evan Singletary, Ray Sanders and Peter Hooley all graduated and have signed professional basketball contracts in Europe. Their roles will be filled by sophomores Joe Cremo, a Scotia-Glenville graduate, and David Nichols. Down low, seniors Mike Rowley and Greig Stire, a CBA graduate, both return. However, 6-foot-11, 270-pound center Richard Peters transferred to Cal State Fullerton.
There’s quite a new look for UAlbany going into the 20162017 season.
“My concern is not the pieces of the puzzle,” Brown said. “My concern is just how quickly this group comes together and gets on the same page. Right now, there’s a little uncertainly with a few guys thinking instead of playing.”
Brown said it was the mindset and attitude of last year’s team that got them a 24-9 (13-3 America East) record. They had a winning mentality.
“We’ve got guys that want to win, for sure,” Brown said.
“But, I’m not sure they know how to go about doing it.”
Cremo, who was last year’s America East Rookie of the Year and America East Sixth Man of the Year, will be in the Great Danes’ starting lineup this season after averaging 10.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game as a freshman. In his second go-around, Cremo is looking to get UAlbany back to championship caliber.
“We want to get the (America East) championship this year,” Cremo said. “Last year was a tough year for us, getting beat in the first round. It’s all about winning for us. We’ve got to be able to compete at the highest level.”
Nichols only played in 15 games last season, but shot 56 percent from the field. The Chicago, Ill., native has the talent to be one of the best guards in the America East, according to Brown.
“There’s a lot of teams (Nichols) would’ve started for in our league last year and averaged double-figures,” the 15th-year coach said. “He just hasn’t had the opportunity.”
Dallas Ennema will transition back to the small forward position after playing the power forward spot last year to fillin for injuries. However, Ennema was out all summer and has only practiced twice this season because of a back injury.
“We know (Rowley) and (Stire) will defend and rebound for us,” Brown said. “The issue right now is we just aren’t battle tested on the perimeter. (Cremo) is going to go from being the first guy off the bench to being the focal point on the scouting report. He’s going to go from playing 18 minutes per game to playing 30.
“(Nichols) might be one of the most talented or athletic guys in our program. My goal for him is to be really comfortable when conference play rolls around. I don’t think talent is going to be an issue.”